Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Tips to Break Into the Animation Industry

While Tiina was having a great time exploring Anime Expo this year, I was roaming around having a great time too. In the midst of cosplayers, anime video rooms, and an exhibition hall that had no problems accepting money from me, were a number of educational workshops including one I attended called "Breaking Into the Animation Industry."

The panel opened up with introductions of each panelists (each of which were followed with gasps and cheers from the fan geek audience) and stories of how each came to be involved in the industry - from art to recruiting to directing and producing. The following are tips I gathered from the panel - some amusing, some inspiring, but all informative:

"Don't stalk people."

"It's important to continue to draw [everywhere]." (Note: Lori Lane stated this as Brianne Drouhard was drawing beside her)

"Do research for whatever you apply for."

"Take advantage of portfolio reviews." (Note: Reviews often occur at conventions like Anime Expo and Comic-Con. Check schedules and see if there's one occurring at an event you're attending.)

"Keep working."

"Know what you're applying for." (Note: For example, if you're applying for a specific kind of show, know that show's style.)